Child Abuse
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What is The Issue?
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Child abuse is a international issue that happens all around us. It knows no ethnic background or economic boundaries. Child abuse in this context is any sexual, physical, emotional abuse or neglect of a child (Eija, 2003). Child abuse does not result from a single phenomenon, but from multiple interacting causal factors. Furthermore, child abuse is likely to continue unless the causes of the abuse are recognized and a concerted effort is made by society to prevent the cycle of abuse from continuing (Miller, 2002, p. 568). Despite attempted efforts to reduce child abuse �the prevalence of child maltreatment remains alarmingly high� (Huebner, 2002, p. 376). Society must become informed on the issues regarding child abuse to recognize how to reduce child abuse. There are many well-documented short and long-term negative effects of child abuse on children. �Studies of the effects of maltreatment have documented adverse consequences on all aspects of young children�s development including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning� (Huebner, 2002, p. 378). Although abuses from being hit will physically heal, the psychological scars will have life long emotional effects. Long term effects of child abuse include, �impulse control problems, low self esteem, depression, suicide, self abuse, eating disorder, substance abuse, low empathy for others, antisocial behavior, aggression and violence, delinquency, sexual maladjustment, learning impairment, low academic achievement, poor adult health, and higher rates of premature mortality� (Dake, Price, & Muran, 2003, p. 2). These harmful effects of abuse can potentially affect all areas of ones life. Dake, J., Price, J., & Muran, J. (2003). Evaluation of a child abuse prevention curriculum for third grade students: Assessment of knowledge and efficiency expectations, Journal of School Health, 73. p. 168. Miller, S. (2002). Child abuse and domestic violence. British Journal of Midwifery, 10, p. 565-568. Eija, P. (2003). Functioning of child maltreating families: lack of resources for caring within the family. Scandinavia Journal of Caring Sciences, 17, p. 139-148. Huebner, C. (2002). Evaluation of a clinic based parent education program to reduce the risk of infant and toddler maltreatment. Public Health Nursing 19, p. 377-389. |